Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectures Program
Ryan French, MSci, PhD
Space Hazards
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), Boulder, CO
Sponsored by the American Astronomical Society’s
Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectures Program
Free and Open to the Public
10:45 AM, Taft Ballroom A/B
Join us for a free, open-to-the-public lecture by a renowned expert, courtesy of the American Astronomical Association’s Harlow Shapley Lecturer program. This special event will be held at approximately 10:30 am on Saturday, May 16, and is open to everyone, regardless of conference registration status.
Ryan French – Shapley Visiting Lecture Program
Dr. Ryan French is a solar astrophysicist, science communicator and author, currently working at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is pursuing the mysteries of the Sun at the forefront of modern solar physics research, using cutting edge telescopes on the ground and in space. Ryan also works to share the wonders of the Sun and space with the public, through books, social media, public talks, and interviews on television and radio. His second book, “Space Hazards”, published in 2025.
Space Hazards (solar flares, asteroids and beyond)
Our planet may seem peaceful, but space is full of potential dangers. Surrounded by
objects and forces that pose serious risk, Earth is under constant threat. In this talk,
based on Ryan’s new book ‘Space Hazards’, we’ll explore the most fascinating of
these threats – ranging from the immediate, to cosmically unlikely. From the science
behind the Sun and solar flares, asteroids and meteorites, to the growing cloud of
space debris orbiting our planet, we’ll discuss what we know, what we’re watching,
and how experts around the world are working to keep us safe.
